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Lure Coursing is a humane sport which attempts to imitate the coursing
of the rabbit or hare by sighthounds but without the hare. The
sighthounds chase an artificial lure, usually a white kitchen garbage
bag, sometimes tanned rabbit skins, or fake fur strips.

To set up the "lure" coursing course a line composed of braided
fishing line (usually 100 pound test 'trolling' line) is passed around
a series of pulleys staked to the ground within a large field (at
least 5 acres).

The lures (most clubs use at least two lures set 10 feet apart on the
line - this reduces contention among the hounds at the end) are
attached to the main line and the whole system is driven from a lure
machine, a device constructed from a 1955 to 1962 Ford starter motor
mounted in a frame. This particular type of starter motor has a long
drive shaft upon which is mounted a drive wheel that rather resembles
two very sturdy pie plates welded back to back -- the line runs in the
groove between the plates.

Since the starter motor is DC the normal power source is provided by
deep cycle 12 volt marine batteries, by 2 or 3 car batteries in
parallel, or by jumper cables running to a running car or tractor. The
lure machine must be capable of driving the lure at speeds up to 40
miles per hour. Control of the lure is provided by using an on-off
type thumb-switch (connected to the low-current side of the starter
solenoid). One such switch can be made out of a door bell switch
mounted in a grip made from a bicycle handle bar grip. It is important
to have a lure machine configuration that provides enough speed to
keep the lure safely in front of the fastest hounds. Lure machines
used in terrier trials or made with AC washing machine motors lack the
power to accelerate the lure quickly enough.

The competition within a breed consists of allowing the hounds to run
in braces or trios (provided that there are two or more hounds per
breed) within each stake in the breed, twice. Solitary breed entries
usually run alone although, with permission of the handlers, solitary
entries with similar running styles may be grouped to run together -
but they will be scored separately by the judge(s). For example if
there was only one Pharaoh Hound and only one Ibizan Hound entered at
a trial the handlers might be given the option of having those two run
together.

In order to individually identify the hounds for purposes of scoring
they are clothed in a coursing blanket. The blanket colors are intense
pink, yellow or cyan. The blanket color is assigned to the hounds by
random draw. Depending on the trial each hound receives scores from
one or two judges for each run. The final placement within the stake
is determined by adding together all of the hound's scores and
comparing that score with those of other hounds in that stake.

What are Sighthounds?

Sighthounds are dogs that traditionally were used to chase game by
sight rather than track game. The animals are normally called
"hounds", a shortening of the term "sighthound" or "gazehound". That
is, dogs that hunt by sight (course). In French this type of dog is
called "levier", in German "Windhund" and in Russian "borzoi".

Although the exact definition of sighthound is a topic that can
generate an enormous controversy, in general they are dogs that hunt
by sight and are specialized for rapid running.

Currently the breeds commonly accepted at North American lure coursing
events a

* The American Kennel Club
* The National Greyhound Association
* The Saluki Club of America
* The States Kennel Club
* The Canadian Kennel Club

Who Sponsors Lure Coursing Events?

In order of historical involvement in Lure Coursing:

* American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA)
* Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
* American Kennel Club (AKC)

In North America there are three organizations that coordinate the
hosting of sighthound lure coursing trials. In order of years of
experience in the sport they are the American Sighthound Field
Association (ASFA) founded in May of 1972, the Canadian Kennel Club
(CKC) which took over Canadian lure coursing from the Canadian Lure
Coursing Association (CLCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) which
became active in lure coursing in September of 199 Each have slightly
different running rules and criteria for granting titles. Competitive
points earned in one organization's trials do not carry over to the
other group's trials. However earned titles may affect eligibility for
other group's trials.

Who Puts On Trials?

Lure coursing trials are hosted by local clubs that are licensed by a
sponsoring organization. At the end of the article there will be a
listing of references for these clubs with contact addresses.

What Are the Differences Between ASFA and AKC Coursing Titles?

They are issued by different organizations. AKC titles are recorded by
the American Kennel Club and are printed out on official AKC documents
such as official pedigrees and on championship certificates and are
published in the AKC Awards publication. ASFA titles are issued by the
American Sighthound Field Association and are published in FAN (Field
Advisor News). They will not appear on official AKC issued pedigrees.
This does not mean that the ASFA titles are in anyway inferior. In
fact in my opinion and experience the LCM is the most difficult lure
coursing title to earn. The AKC JC is the easiest, the SC next, the
ASFA FCh next and the AKC FC is next.

Should I Participate Only In ASFA Or Only In AKC Coursing?

Don't limit yourself and your hound's chances to run. There are few
enough lure coursing field trials as it is. The AKC titles go on your
hound's permanent AKC records but once you have the FC there is not
much incentive to continue. Obtaining an ASFA LCM is the supreme test
of both coursing interest and long term vigor in a lure coursing
hound.

__________________________________________________ _______________

Attending a Lure Coursing Event

What should I bring?

You may want to leave your hound home the first time you go to watch a
lure coursing field trial.

However if you are hoping to practice the hound or wish to socialize
it to this sort of event you should bring it. Remember, you must keep
your hound under control at all times.

Things to bring:

* Water and a water dish for your hound
* A secure collar and leash for the hound
* Clothing for you and protection for your hound suitable for the
potential variation in weather for that area at that time of year
(shade if the weather is hot is the most important.)
* A chair
* Lunch (it can be a very looong day)

Should I enter my hound in a trial without prior practice?

_NO!_

Due to recent rule changes in both ASFA and AKC coursing you CANNOT
enter an unpracticed hound.

Unpracticed hounds are quite likely to be excused or dismissed for
interference.

Even worse they are likely to develop the habit of interference which
they would not have developed had they been properly schooled into
lure coursing.

How do I get my hound to a practice?

Once you locate one, drive there with your hound!. Seriously though -
locating a lure coursing practice may be difficult. You have to locate
some person or club who is setting up practice events. First ask other
sighthound owners if they know of any practices. Practices may be set
up by:

* Private individuals
* Clubs during special practice sessions
* Clubs at demonstations at dog shows and other public events
* Most clubs also attempt to run practices after their lure coursing
trials

Since practices may be harder to find than actual competitive events,
if you locate a practice session you should make it a fairly high
priority to get your hound there.

What should I bring the first time I take my hound to a trial?

In addition to the items you would bring when you went to observe a
field trial:

* Your hound's registration information.
* Until you know that your hound will lure course consistently you
do not need to buy a slip lead or coursing blankets. The clubs are
required to have these on hand.

What is proper lure coursing etiquette?

Good trial sites are not easy to find and a lure coursing field trial
does not generate very much income for the club so continued use of
the trial site is dependent upon the good will of the property owner.
Clean up after your hound and yourself! Do not damage property! Park
in designated areas and don't go randomly exploring out buildings,
barns and other structures not being used by the members of the field
trial. Do not harrass any livestock that may be on the trial site. Be
respectful of the property.

Remember that this is a lure coursing field trial. People often travel
long distances to run their hounds and have paid to enter the
competition. They are there to run their hounds and they may not have
had much sleep. Most people at the trial will be happy to answer your
questions but pick the time to approach them carefully. Don't walk up
and start talking to a judge while the person is judging. Don't try
and question an exhibitor while they are actively involved in
competition. Do not come out on the course with your hound, observe
from the sidelines. Keep your hound on a short leash. If your hound is
very excited keep it far enough away so that it does not distract the
competing hounds. Don't allow it to approach other competitors hounds
and "get in their faces". Hounds that are excited by the lure may be
rather jumpy and even predatory. Don't interfere with the hounds of
another competitor. This includes not offering food or water to hounds
that are in competition. hounds can become very ill if run on full
stomachs.

Are these evennts appropriate places for young children?

Not really, unless you bring along a person to tend to the young
children. If you are participating at a lure field trial you may be
there all day and unsupervised children can quickly become bored.
Almost all the people there are there to run their hounds. Many of the
hounds come from childless homes and are not socialized on children.

The trial sites are frequently on private property which lack play
facilities for children and may contain hazards to unsupervised
children. At least one coursing club that I know of is required by the
insurance company of the landowner of their trial site to ban children
under 12 from the trial site. This was the result of damages sustained
to a swimming pool by unsupervised children at a lure coursing trial.

It is especially important to be careful with very young children
around large powerful dogs. Don't wear your baby in one of those "on
the parent carriers" while trying to control an excited dog that is
powerful enough to pull or knock you over. Remember a 80 pound hound
running at 35 miles an hour packs a powerful punch should it run into
you or a child by accident.

Are these events appropriate places for unentered dogs?

The unentered dogs cannot be allowed to run loose during the trial.
Allowing small fluffy dogs that resemble lures to run loose on the
coursing field is inadvisable. Hounds that wish to run but are not
allowed to run may be quite frustrated.

It is important to always have adequate control over dogs that are not
actually participating in the course in progress. There is a fine for
having a loose dog interfere with a course in progress. Novices with
retired racing greyhounds frequently have to pay this fine as the
hounds suddenly show much more excitement than the owner has ever seen
up until that time (that is they go berserk with happiness and
excitement).

Sighthounds have thick muscular necks and slender heads and can easily
and unexpectedly slip a buckle collar when they become excited at the
sight of the moving lure with other hounds in pursuit. For this reason
you should have a martingale or choke collar for restraint of the
hound at the trial site.

It is relatively common for dogs brought to the trial site and left
loose in a car to become excited at the sight and sound of the lure
and destroy part of the car's interior. Rear view mirrors and
upholstery are favorite targets. If the windows are left partially
rolled down the dog may injure itself as it tries to get out through
the window. Crating or tethering the dog with a tie out that it cannot
chew through prevents these problems. Obviously no one should leave a
dog alone in an unshaded car in hot weather.

How Long Do Lure Coursing Trials Last?

From roll call to the completion of the trial. Be prepared for a long
day, especially in bad weather. Bring plenty of food and water. Bring
warm clothing and wet weather gear. In hot weather bring shade.

A club can usually complete an all breed trial of 30 hounds in 5
hours. I have seen 30 hound specialty trials (one breed) be run in 3
hours. However trials with small entries are often run at a leisurely
pace and may take until dusk, while trials with large entries will be
pushed along by the certain knowledge that they must be completed
before dusk. Either way it adds up to a looong day.

What Sort of Weather Is Encountered at Lure Coursing Trials?

All sorts. Since trials are scheduled events they are canceled only in
the case of extreme weather conditions - tornados, hurricanes,
blizzards. I'm not kidding! Last winter I was scheduled to judge at a
trial in New Jersey in early March. A blizzard came up the day before.
It was not until 7 PM the night before the trial that it was decided
to cancel the trial. Not because all the roads were closed (they were)
but because with 24 inches of ice and snow on the coursing field it
seemed that it would be difficult to set up a safe course.
__________________________________________________ _______________

Lure Coursing Equipment

What are lure coursing blankets?

Lure coursing blankets are the means by which the different hounds in
a course are identified by the judge. They are light in weight and
designed to be non-restrictive to the galloping hound. They should be
made of a double stretch material and you need one in each of these
colors:

A slip lead is a specialized collar and leash combination that allows
the handler to rapidly release an excited hound without breaking a
finger or damaging the hound. The best leads have a broad collar that
is several inches smaller than the hound's neck with relatively heavy
3 inch brazed metal rings on each end of the collar. The leash portion
is strung through the metal rings in such as way as to hold the hound
until one end of the leash is released. Then the hound is free.

__________________________________________________ _______________

American Sighthound Field Association

What are ASFA Coursing Trials?

These are lure coursing trials sponsored by the American Sighthound
Field Association and held in accordance with ASFA rules and
regulations.

The hounds are run in competition under ASFA running rules and
regulations.

The hounds must be at least one year old or older on the day of the
trial, and be individually registered with:

* The American Kennel Club [AKC]
* The National Greyhound Association [NGA]
* an AKC-recognized foreign registry (this includes running Borzoi
on their Russian reg. numbers.
* possess a Critique Case number [CC] from the Saluki Club of
American [SCOA], for desert-bred Salukis.

In the near future ASFA is going to require one-time proof of
registry/ownership according to new directives.

An exciting change being pioneered by ASFA is the future formation of
a "Miscellaneous" class or stake, for other Sighthound breeds
recognized by the FCI [Federation Cynologique Internationale), a
world-wide registry organization. This would allow breeds such as the
Azawak, Chart Polski, Sloughi and others to compete. While titles
would not be gained directly from ASFA, American parent clubs of these
breeds may wish to recognize the accomplishments of these hounds
within their registry body.

What are the ASFA stakes?

Note: Not all trials will offer all of these stakes. Optional stakes
are designated with an *.

* Singles * (Hound runs by itself - no points are awarded towards a
title - can't run inBOB or BIF.)
* Open (Hounds who have not earned the ASFA FCh)
* Field Champion (Hounds who have earned the ASFA FCh)
* Veteran * (In most sighthound breeds, hounds over 6 years old (5
for Irish Wolfhounds). Veteran Stake entries may not be entered in
any other regular stake at the same trial. 1st placements from the
Veteran Stake do not count toward a FCh title. If veteran wins BOB
or BIF over competition -- that counts as a first toward FCh)
* Best in Field (BIF) * (Open to the BOB winners of the day.)
* Breeder * ( competition in this and in Kennel is determined by
scoring out of Open, FCh or veteran).
* Kennel *

If there are 20 or more hounds in a given stake in a given breed, that
stake will be split and multiple placements will be awarded in that
stake. Stakes are split so as to produce as many sets of 10 as
possible. For example an entry of 30 open whippets would be split into
3 sets of Open whippets with 10 hounds per stake rather than two Open
whippet stakes of 15 hounds.

Best of Breed must always be determined by a single run consisting of
a brace or trio, however, so if there were 4 stakes of Open whippets
BOB would be determined by running the best of those 4 winners against
the top winner from the Field Champion stake.

What are the ASFA titles?

Field Champion (FCh)
Competes against other hounds of the same breed in the "Open
stake". To earn the title the hound must accumulate 100 breed
points and earn 2 first placements or 1 first and 2 second
placements over competition that receives qualifying scores or
that is dismissed. A first over a non-qualifying scoring hound
doesn't count but if he attacks your hound and is dismissed
then the hound counts. The maximum score is 100 points per
judge. To achieve a qualifying score the hound must receive at
least half this total. These judges-score points are different
from the breed points mentioned above. Best In Field (BIF)
determined by running against the winner of another breed will
count as a first if the hound winning BIF was the only entry in
its breed. (For example, if a single Saluki is entered, but
wins BIF by defeating the best of 17 Whippets, it is credited
with a "first over competition".)

Lure Courser of Merit (LCM)
Competes against other hounds of the same breed in the "Field
Champion stake". To earn the title the hound must accumulate
300 breed points and earn 4 first placements. Each first
placement must be over at least one competitor earning a
qualify score.The hound may earn multiple LCM's. Each requires
4 firsts out of the Field Champion stake and an additional 300
points. At this time the LCM is the most difficult lure
coursing title to earn.

The judge(s) score the hound in each category producing a score
between 0 and 100. Qualifying scores are 50% or above. Most judges
score qualifying runs somewhere between 60 and 80 points. On a given
day the exact numeric score is less important than the hound's score
relative to the other hounds. Notice that in ASFA coursing Speed and
Agility are considered the most important categories. This reflects
the importance of open field (i.e. live game) coursing experience in
the minds of the founders of ASFA - if the hound is after a hare
exactness of follow is worthless if the quarry outruns the hound. Live
quarry does not slow down so that the slow hounds can stay sighted.
Only lures adjust themselves to the speed of the slower coursers.

What are the ASFA awards?

In each stake within a breed (Open, Field Champion and Veteran) 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th and NBQ (Next Best Qualifying) placements are awarded.
The scores from the judge(s) are added up for both the preliminary and
final runs. The hounds are awarded placements within their stake based
on the summed scores. Points towards the titles (ASFA championship
points) are awarded as follows:

* 1st place = 4 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
of 40 points.
* 2nd place = 3 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
of 30 points.
* 3rd place = 2 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
of 20 points.
* 4th place = 1 times the number of dogs in the stake to a maximum
of 10 points.
* NBQ - no points.

The winners of these stakes will then compete in a runoff for Best of
Breed (BOB). The BOB winner will receive points equivalent to the
greatest number earned by any hound in the breed. For example if there
were 5 hounds in the Open stake and 3 hounds in the Field Champion
stake and the Field Champion won the BOB run off it would receive 4X5
= 20 points rather than 4X3 = 12 points towards its Lure Courser of
Merit title. The winner of the Open stake would still receive 20
points towards its ASFA Field Champion title.

The additional points that may be awarded in BOB are only awarded if
the BOB is earned by a run off. A hound earning BOB over the winner of
a larger stake by forfeit would not earn additional championship
points.

__________________________________________________ _______________

American Kennel Club

What Are AKC Lure Coursing Trials?

These are lure coursing trials sponsored by the American Kennel Club
and held in accordance with AKC Lure Coursing rules and regulations.

In September of 1991 the AKC began its own program of Lure Coursing as
a sport under the guidance of Dean Wright, a long time promoter of
ASFA lure coursing events.

The AKC's policy is that a sighthound breed is a sighthound breed if
the breed's parent club considers the breed to be a sighthound. This
has, as you can imagine, led to some really intense rhetoric on the
definition of a sighthound. We will wisely avoid this controversial
matter of definition in this FAQ.

What are the AKC stakes?

Regular stakes are Open and Specials. Open is open to all hounds who
have earned an AKC Junior Courser or other qualifying performance
titles.

What are the AKC titles?

Junior Courser (JC)
The hound must run in 2 events under 2 different judges or
judging panels. The hound will run alone on a course of at
least 600 yards that has at least 4 turns. The hound must run
the full course with enthusiasm, not stopping to visit with
spectators or take a potty break during its run. The judges
award a "pass" or "fail" not a numeric score.

Senior Courser (SC)
After January 1, 1994 the SC title is awarded based upon the
hound's performance in 4 AKC field trials. Prior to that date
the title was awarded based upon performance in 2 AKC field
trials. To earn an SC the hound must receive a qualifying score
in 4 AKC field trials under different judging panels.

Field Champion (FC)
This title proceeds the hound's name. This title is awarded
once the hound has accumulated 15 AKC Lure Coursing Points.
There must be at least 2 firsts valued at 3 points or more
issued by two different judges or judging panels.

As of Jan 1, 1994 the AKC point scale is as follows:
Points for first place
5 4 3 2 1
------------------------------------------------------------
number of hounds in competition

Whippets 15 11 8 5 2
Borzoi, Rhodesians 10 8 5 3 2
Balance of sighthound
breeds 6 5 4 3 2
* When first place earns 5 second place earns 3, third place earns
* When first place earns 4 second place earns 2, third place earns
* When first place earns 3 second place earns

The judge(s) score the hound in each category producing a score
between 0 and 50. Qualifying is 25 or above. Most judges score
qualifying runs somewhere between 30 and 40 points. On a given day the
exact numeric score is less important than the hound's score relative
to the other hounds.

What are the AKC awards?

Dual Champion (DC) is awarded to a sighthound that has earned both an
AKC Field Champion title and an AKC conformation Championship title.
This title also precedes the hound's name and replaces either Ch or
FC.

__________________________________________________ _______________

Canadian Kennel Club

What hounds can participate?

AKC registered hounds may be entered without having CKC registration
provided that an additional "listing" fee is paid. The titles will not
be awarded until the CKC registration is obtained on the hounds.

What are the CKC stakes?

There is no separate Field Champion stake at CKC Lure Coursing Trials.
All hounds are entered in the Open stake.

What are the CKC titles?

* Field Champion (FCh)
* Field Champion Excellent (FChX)

To earn a Canadian FCh the hound earns 100 points with two firsts over
competition. The competition includes existing Canadian Field
Champions. To earn a FChx the hound earns a TOTAL of 300 points and 6
firsts. It is not eligible to earn the FChX until after the FCh
requirements are met but first placements earned prior to the FCh
carry over towards the FChX. If a hound finishes its FCh with 6 firsts
then it only needs to earn an additional 200 points to earn the FChX.
The Canadian FCh is more difficult to earn than the ASFA FCh but the
FChX is a slightly easier to earn than the ASFA LCM.

How are the CKC hounds scored?

The scoring system, categories and points earned towards titles are
similar to the 100 point ASFA model. Canadian Field Trial secretaries
usually require some proof that the hound will run "clean" in
competition prior to accepting an entry.

What are the CKC awards?

First place through 4th earn championship points as with ASFA. No
points are awarded for 5th (NBQ).

A collection of essays on the history of ASFA and lure
coursing, including sections on equipment and great coursing
hounds written by the people who developed lure coursing as a
sport over many years. Includes photos of the top hounds in the
ASFA breeds and extensive lists of titlists.

_AKC Lure Coursing Turns Two_
Bonnie Dalzell, MA. AKC Gazette July 1993.
Written by the all time top breeder/exhibitor (in terms of
number of titled hounds) in lure coursing. Photocopy available
from author. Send SASE and 50 cents to Bonnie Dalzell, 5100
Hydes Road, Hydes, MD 2108 Text available for reprint by any
non profit dog group interested in the lure coursing sport
provided you obtain author's permission. You must write the AKC
Gazette to obtain permission to reprint the exact article, as
it is type set in the magazine with photos, etc., however.

_Lure Coursing: Field Trialing For Sighthounds and How To Take Part_
Beaman, Arthur S. Howell Book House, 1994 (ISBN 0-87605-628-?)
This book is written by an established dog writer who has lure
coursed his Saluki. Half of the text by page count of this
hardbound book consists of information published separately by
ASFA and the AKC. That is the ASFA (cost $ - revisions free
with SASE) and AKC (free) rule books which are revised annually
and exact reprints of the AKC breed standards for sighthound
breeds. The latter are available from the individual breed
clubs, usually free with a SASE. The author's extensive
knowledge of lure coursing is demonstrated by his reference to
the LCM (Lure Courser of Merit) title as the "Lure Coursing
Master" title.